Scrying - divination segment

In honor of the season and the thinning of the veil  as it is said, I decided to have the discussion group I run make some scrying mirrors. I myself have never had much luck with scrying, but it is something I have always been interested in. So I provided clear plates and photo frames to be painted. For a twist, I printed out some magickal alphabets to use to paint along the edge of the mirror for those who wanted to add a message. I noticed something about myself in doing this. I was the only one in the group that used the alphabet. I was trying to add magic in the making, while others were using the magic of surroundings and such with the understanding they would add magic when the mirror was consecrated.  Both ways of construction are interesting to me, but I can't help but wonder at the difference. A few others did designs to  add magic as they went, so I just wanted to know some of my readers' opinions on the making of magickal tools. What are some benifits to leaving the tool plain? What are some reasons to dress it up? In either case, I provided to my group a special scrying candle and incense. This was mostly for myself in that I wanted to see if the candle and incense would make a difference. For those interested, the incense was made of blessed thistle, sage, rosemary, and cinnamon. But I guess the whole scrying thing is a mystery to me. I have 2 other 'mirrors' I have made, and a crystal ball. None of these have worked for me. I hope to consecrate my new tool tomorrow, and will have to let you know how it goes. In any case, let me know how you go about scrying. Maybe it will help.